Where do you put semicolons?

Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses
independent clauses
An independent clause (or main clause) is a clause that can stand by itself as a simple sentence. An independent clause contains a subject and a predicate and makes sense by itself.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Independent_clause
in place of a comma and a coordinating conjunction
(and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet). Make sure when you use the semicolon that the connection between the two independent clauses is clear without the coordinating conjunction.
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When should a semicolon be used examples?

A semicolon may be used between independent clauses joined by a connector, such as and, but, or, nor, etc., when one or more commas appear in the first clause. Example: When I finish here, and I will soon, I'll be glad to help you; and that is a promise I will keep.
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What are some examples of semicolons?

Examples of Semicolons: Joan likes eggs; Jennifer does not. The cat slept through the storm; the dog cowered under the bed. Semicolons are also used in a sentence when something stronger than a comma is needed.
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What are the 3 ways semicolons are used?

3 Ways to Use a Semicolon
  • Use a semicolon to connect related independent clauses. An independent clause is a sentence that communicates a complete thought and makes sense on its own. ...
  • Use a semicolon with a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase. ...
  • Use semicolons to separate items in a list.
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Do you use a semicolon before a list?

Semicolons separate items within a list, while a colon precedes and introduces a list. He took three things on the hike; his lunch, his binoculars, and his trusty walking stick. He took three things on the hike: his lunch, his binoculars, and his trusty walking stick.
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How to use a semicolon - Emma Bryce



When should you use a semicolon instead of a comma?

The semicolon is used when connecting two sentences or independent clauses. Unlike the comma, you do not use coordinating conjunctions, e.g., and, or, but, etc. A semicolon can also be used when connecting two independent clauses with conjunctive adverbs, e.g., however, therefore, thus, otherwise, etc.
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What punctuation goes before a list?

Introducing a list. The colon is used to introduce a list of items.
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What is a colon example?

A colon can be used to connect two independent sentences. Typically, a colon is used when the second sentence clarifies or explains the first sentence. For example, Me and my sisters are really excited: We're going to Disneyland!
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Did I use a semicolon correctly checker?

If you want to check whether or not you're using a semicolon correctly, just read the two clauses on their own and see if they make sense. If they don't, it's a miss. In the first example, a semicolon is used to introduce a list; it should be a colon.
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How do you use example?

You use for example to introduce and emphasize something that shows that something is true. Take, for example, the simple sentence: "The man climbed up the hill."
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What is a semicolon sentence?

What is a semicolon? A semicolon is most widely used to connect two separate but closely linked clauses in one sentence. When used to combine two or more parts in one sentence, all parts are given equal status. Semicolons, like commas, suggest a pause — longer than the one of a comma, but short of that of a full stop.
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What are 5 examples of compound sentences?

Compound Sentences
  • I like coffee. Mary likes tea. → I like coffee, and Mary likes tea.
  • Mary went to work. John went to the party. I went home. → Mary went to work, but John went to the party, and I went home.
  • Our car broke down. We came last. → Our car broke down; we came last.
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How many semicolons can you use in a sentence?

Yes, semicolons can be used to connect three, or more, related independent clauses.
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How do you use a semicolon for dummies?

Semicolon: Use a semicolon to join independent clauses in compound sentences that do not have coordinating conjunctions (and, or, but, nor, for, so, yet) and commas as connectors. Words like however, moreover, thus, and therefore, are often used as connectors in these sentences.
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How do you use a colon and semicolon?

Colons and semicolons are two types of punctuation. Colons (:) are used in sentences to show that something is following, like a quotation, example, or list. Semicolons (;) are used to join two independent clauses, or two complete thoughts that could stand alone as complete sentences.
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What are the rules for using a colon?

5 Rules of Colon Usage
  • What Is a Colon? ...
  • Rule 1: Use a Colon to Introduce an Item or List. ...
  • Rule 2: Use Colons Between Two Sentences. ...
  • Rule 3: Use a Colon to Introduce a Bulleted or Numbered List. ...
  • Rule 4: Use a Colon to Introduce Extended Quotations. ...
  • Rule 5: Use a Colon Following a Greeting. ...
  • How To Use a Colon Correctly.
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Do you capitalize after a semicolon?

When using a semicolon to join two independent clauses, do not capitalize the first word of the second independent clause unless the word is a proper noun, e.g., The sky is blue; the birds are singing.
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Where do you put colons in a sentence?

A colon is used to give emphasis, present dialogue, introduce lists or text, and clarify composition titles. Emphasis—Capitalize the first word after the colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence. (She had one love: Western Michigan University.)
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What is 2 dots called?

The colon : is a punctuation mark consisting of two equally sized dots placed on the same vertical line.
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Can you use a colon for a list of two things?

Rule 1: Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items when introductory words such as namely, for example, or that is do not apply or are not appropriate. Examples: You may be required to bring many items: sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing.
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Do you use semicolons in a bulleted list?

Don't use a period after bullet lists that are not complete sentences or do not complete the opening stem sentence. Don't use semicolons to end punctuation. Use either all full sentences in your bullet lists or all fragments.
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Can you use a semicolon twice?

1 Answer. In general, for use in a list - yes.
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Do I use too many semicolons?

Remember that using too many semicolons and colons can make a paper look cluttered, particularly a shorter paper. Use them sparingly in order to add variety to the methods utilized to connect sentences. 1 Semicolons can replace the period between two closely related independent clauses.
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What sentence structure is created when you join an independent clause and a dependent clause?

A COMPLEX SENTENCE has one dependent clause (headed by a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun ) joined to an independent clause.
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